The first thing I heard was screaming.
Not fear.
Rage.
The guards didn't hesitate when he stepped through the broken archway.
They didn't shout warnings or call for backup. They shifted with bones snapping and reforming as fur tore through skin, massive wolves launching themselves at him from every direction.
Aiden didn't stop walking.
He didn't even look surprised.
The ruby on his ring flared like a wound torn open, and the air around him bent. One wolf never reached him.
It froze mid-leap, crushed by something invisible, its body folding in on itself before hitting the stone floor in a lifeless heap.
Another lunged from behind.
Aiden turned calmly and caught it by the throat.
There was a sickening crack.
Then he let go.
The body slid bonelessly to the ground.
Maelis grabbed my arm hard enough to hurt.
"Now," she hissed.
The chamber shook as another roar split the air. I didn't know if it was dragon or stone or my own blood rushing too fast through my ears.
